Lithuanian Prosecutors Say Russia Was Behind Ikea Arson Attack
Lithuania’s prosecutors say the Russian military intelligence service, GRU, was behind an arson attack on an Ikea store in Vilnius last year. The attack happened in May.
Two Ukrainian teenagers were arrested for their involvement. One was caught in Lithuania and the other in Poland. Prosecutor Arturas Urbelis said the investigation showed that the two teens worked with Russia’s military intelligence service.
The prosecutor called the attack “an act of terrorism”. He also said that investigation found a connection between the suspects and Russia’s security services.
Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, said Lithuania confirmed their suspicions about Russia being behind the arson attacks in Vilnius and Warsaw. He made this comment on social media platform X.
Russia has denied allegations from Nato countries that its secret services are involved in sabotage operations across Europe. However, there have been similar attacks in Europe last July, where parcel fires targeted courier companies.
Security experts see these actions as part of a “hybrid warfare” campaign to undermine European support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. The attack on the Ikea store did not cause any casualties. However, it is clear that Lithuania and Poland are taking action against what they believe are Russian-backed attacks.
The prosecutor said the two teenagers had met in Warsaw and agreed to set fire to shops in Lithuania and Latvia for a reward of €10,000 and a BMW.